Method of packaging article in a multi-purpose shipping and display container

ABSTRACT

A packaging blank capable of forming a multi-purpose shipping and display container comprises in one embodiment a bottom panel, first and second side panels connected to opposing edges of the bottom panel, a back panel connected to the bottom panel, first and second divider support panels connected to the side panels, first and second divider panels connected to the side panels by the divider support panels, and first and second side reinforcement panels connected to the side panels opposite the divider support panels. Upon construction the packaging blank provides a multi-purpose shipping and display container having more than one internal compartment that is convertible into an open-sided tray. A method of packaging articles comprises in one embodiment the steps of folding the blank to form a container having more than one internal compartment, positioning the articles in the compartments, and removably securing a lid to the container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part application claiming benefit ofcopending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/442,514, filed May 21, 2003, forPackaging Blank.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a packaging blank. In particular, theinvention relates to a packaging blank capable of forming amulti-purpose shipping and display container. The invention furtherrelates to a container formed from the blank that includes multipleinternal compartments. Still further, the invention relates to a methodof packaging articles in the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] As known to those skilled in the art, packaging is typicallyformed from packaging blanks, or blanks for short. It will be understoodthat as used herein the term “blank” may include cardboard, rigid paper,flexible plastic, or similar products made of paperboard or plastic. Inparticular, the packaging industry favors the use of one-piece flexibleblanks, which are readily incorporated into automated processes forforming containers.

[0004] Today, the construction of packaging blanks into containers, andthe subsequent insertion of products to be packaged in the container, ismanaged in the product manufacturers' facilities. Manufacturers employautomated equipment that is capable of folding the blank to form acontainer, inserting the product into the container, sealing thecontainer, and then shipping the container by various means oftransportation. For example, manufactures use in-line processes foraccomplishing the steps of folding, inserting, sealing, and shipping asdescribed above. Thus there is a need for providing a method ofpackaging articles in a container formed from a packaging blank inautomated processes.

[0005] Further, manufacturers seek efficiencies in the packaging anddisplay of products. Specifically, manufactures desire a packaging blankthat can serve as a shipping container as well as a display container.By supplying a blank that is foldable into a dual-purpose shipping anddisplay container, the need for manual removal of products from shippingcontainers and placement onto store shelves is eliminated, thus creatingsignificant efficiencies in production and shipping processes. Productmanufacturers in selected industries, such as the pesticide or liquidconsumables industry, require shipping containers that are sturdy, yetare capable of being converted into attractive display containers. Apreferred container would thus permit the purchasing consumer to viewand then select the desired product from a multi-purpose shipping anddisplay container. However, most shipping containers do not permit theviewing of its contents. Specifically, most known containers incorporateend flaps or closure flaps that seal the container with adhesive (e.g.,glue). Such end flaps and closure flaps destroy or mar the surface ofthe container when opened. Thus, once sealed, it is necessary to destroythe package in order to view or remove the products contained therein.Accordingly, known shipping containers are not suitable for display uponopening. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a method of packagingarticles in a container that is suitable for both shipping and display.

[0006] Limited shelf space requires that manufacturers and storeownersseek alternative means for displaying products. For example, a populararea for displaying products is located at the ends of store aisles.Stackable display containers are preferred for this type of productdisplay because they allow the storeowner to maximize useable floorspace. Thus, it is further desirable to provide a method of packagingarticles in a container that is stackable.

[0007] In a related aspect, it is also desirable to provide a method ofpackaging articles in a container that includes reinforced side panelsand top panels to support the stacked containers. When stacked in thisfashion, it is therefore desirable to provide a method of packagingarticles in a container that permits viewing of one or more of thepackaged products contained therein when the containers are stacked oneon top of the other. It will be understood that as used herein, the term“viewing” may include reading with the human eye or scanning with a barcode scanner.

[0008] As an alternative to stackable containers, select storeowners maywish to display an open-sided tray on a shelf. It will be understood bythose skilled in the art that the term “tray” refers to a structuredeveloped from a flat blank that includes a base (e.g., bottom panel)and at least three hinge-connected side or end panels, which are in turnconnected at the corners by adhesive to form an open-top carton. Inother words, it is more efficient to convert a shipping container into atray that can be placed directly on store shelves as compared toremoving individual products from a shipping container and placing theproduct on the shelf. This method of stocking shelves, i.e., removingindividual products from a shipping container and placing the product onthe shelf, is labor and time intensive. Thus, it is desirable to providea method of packaging articles in a container that is convertible into atray.

[0009] As discussed above, it is more efficient to place a containerdirectly onto a shelf than to remove product from a container and placethe product on the shelf. Accordingly, in a related aspect, it is alsodesirable to provide a method of packaging articles in a container thatpermits the frontal viewing of one or more of the packaged productscontained therein when the container is placed on a shelf.

[0010] Manufacturers also seek shipping containers that minimize damageto goods during shipment. Thus, it is also desirable to provide a methodof packaging articles in a container that includes a dividing panel forpreventing the lateral movement of products during shipment.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide amethod of packaging articles in a container formed from a packagingblank in automated processes.

[0012] Another object of the invention is the provision of a method ofpackaging articles in a container that is suitable for both shipping anddisplay.

[0013] A further object of the invention is to provide a method ofpackaging articles in a container that is stackable.

[0014] Still another object of the invention is to provide a method ofpackaging articles in a container that includes reinforced side panelsand top panels to support the stacked containers.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a method ofpackaging articles in a container that permits viewing of one or more ofthe packaged products contained therein when the containers are stackedone on top of the other.

[0016] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method ofpackaging articles in a container that is convertible into a tray.

[0017] Still another object of the invention is the provision of amethod of packaging articles in a container that permits the frontalviewing of one or more of the packaged products contained therein whenthe container is placed on a shelf.

[0018] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method ofpackaging articles in a container that includes a dividing panel forpreventing the lateral movement of products during shipment.

[0019] The invention meets these objectives with a multi-purposeshipping and display container. In particular, the invention is amulti-purpose shipping and display container having divider panels,divider support panels, side reinforcement panels, top reinforcementflaps, corner support flaps, a pull tab assembly, and strips of teartape that permit the removal of the top section of the container toprovide a view of the internal compartments of the container uponconstruction.

[0020] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the inventionand the manner in which the same are accomplished will become clearerbased on the following detailed description taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container formed from apreferred embodiment of the blank.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container formed from apreferred embodiment of the blank depicting the frontal view of thepackaged products provided by the container.

[0023]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of multiple containers formed from apreferred embodiment of the blank stacked one on top of the otherillustrating the view of the packaged products provided by stackedcontainers.

[0024]FIG. 4 is a top planar view of a preferred embodiment of the blankdepicting the bottom panel, back panel, side panels, divider supportpanels, divider panels, side reinforcement panels, back lip flap, frontlip flap, corner support flaps, top support flaps, top panels, top glueflaps, top reinforcement flaps, glue flaps, divider panel cut-outs,divider support panel pull tabs, strips of tear tape, and back panelpull tabs.

[0025]FIGS. 5A-5I are perspective views of a method for packagingproducts that incorporates a preferred embodiment of the packaging blankand container.

[0026]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the container formed from apreferred embodiment of the blank illustrating the back panel pull tabs,divider panel cut-outs, and the strips of tear tape.

[0027]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the container formed from apreferred embodiment of the blank depicting a user pulling the backpanel pull tabs, divider support panel pull tabs, and strips of teartape attached thereto, outwardly, thereby separating portions of thecontainer to form a tray.

[0028]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tray formed from a preferredembodiment of the blank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The present invention will now be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which apreferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0030] As used herein, the term “panel” is used in conjunction with thepackaging blank 10 of the present invention and refers to sections ofthe blank. With reference to the orientation of the blank 10 in FIG. 4,it will be understood that the term “width” refers to a distancemeasured from the lowermost portion of the first or second cornersupport flaps 32, 33 to the uppermost portion of the first or seconddivider panels 24, 25. It will also be understood by those of skill inthe art that as used herein, the concept of a panel being “between” twoother panels does not necessarily imply that the three panels or flapsare contiguous (i.e., in intimate contact). Rather, as used herein, theconcept of one panel being between two other panels is meant to describethe relative positions of the panels within the blank structure,respectively. Similarly, the concept of a first panel being connected toa second panel by a third panel, “opposite” the second panel, merelydescribes the relative positions of the first and second panels withinthe blank structure. It will further be understood that the term“finished” means coated with a material to produce an attractive glossyfinish. The term “finished” will also be understood to mean theinclusion of printed material or other identifying indicia (e.g., acompany's logo). Those skilled in the art will also appreciate thatpanels include edges defined as the line of intersection of two surfacesor a border. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that theterm “perforations” refers to a series of holes or impressions formed bya cutting tool (e.g., a punch or die) that permits easy separation of,for example, panels. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate thatthe term “adjacent” refers to two or more, for example, panels that havea common border or are in close proximity to one another. Nevertheless,it will be understood that adjacent may or may not imply contact, butalways implies the absence of anything of the same kind in between.Furthermore, as used herein, it will be understood that the term“article” will refer primarily to consumer products that are packagedfor shipment (e.g., bottles, bags, consumables, etc.). It will beunderstood, however, that “article” may also refer to any number ofgoods such as house wares or toys.

[0031] An overall view of a preferred embodiment of a packaging blank 10which incorporates features of the present invention is set forth inFIG. 4. As depicted in FIG. 4, the packaging blank 10 includes a bottompanel 11, first and second side panels 12, 13, a back panel 14, a frontlip flap 15, a back lip flap 16, first and second divider support panels20, 21, first and second top reinforcement flaps 22, 23, first andsecond divider panels 24, 25, first and second top panels 26, 27, firstand second top glue flaps 28, 29, first and second side reinforcementpanels 30, 31, first and second corner support flaps 32, 33, first andsecond top support flaps 34, 35, and first and second glue flaps 40, 41.

[0032] Another aspect of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG.1, includes a container 43 formed from the packaging blank 10.Specifically, the blank 10 is capable of forming a multi-purposeshipping and display container 43 upon construction. The container 43 iscapable of receiving a removable lid 46 that includes a top section 47,a front section 48, and side flaps 49. In a preferred embodiment, thelid 46 may further include cut-outs that permit a user to grasp the lidand easily remove the same from the container 43 (see FIG. 1). For easeof reference, the various aspects of the container 43 will be describedcontemporaneously with the description of the packaging blank 10.

[0033] With reference to FIG. 4 depicting the blank, the first andsecond side panels 12, 13 of the preferred embodiment are connected tothe opposing edges of the bottom panel 11. The back panel 14 of theblank 10 is connected to the bottom panel 11 along one of the fold lines42 in the blank. Specifically, the back panel 14 is connected to theedge of the bottom panel 11 that is adjacent to the opposing edges towhich the first and second side panels 12, 13 are connected. The frontlip flap 15 is connected to the bottom panel 11 opposite the back panel14, and the back lip flap 16 is connected to the back panel opposite thebottom panel.

[0034] Upon construction of the container 43, the front lip flap 15provides a retaining structure for the front section 48 of the removablelid 46 to thereby hold the lid in position. Furthermore, the front lipflap 15 retains the articles 17 positioned in the container and preventsthe same from sliding out of the container 43 when the lid 46 is removedand the container is placed on a shelf.

[0035] The first and second divider support panels 20, 21 are connectedto the first and second side panels 12, 13, respectively, adjacent tothe back panel 14. Stated differently, the first and second dividersupport panels 20, 21 are positioned between the first and seconddivider panels 24, 25, respectively, and the first and second sidepanels 12, 13, respectively. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 4, the back panel14 is positioned between the first and second divider support panels 20,21. The first and second divider support panels 20, 21, as configured,provide reinforcement to the back panel 14 and assist in positioning thedivider panels 24, 25 to extend the width of the bottom panel 11 duringconstruction of the blank 10 into the container 43.

[0036] The first and second top reinforcement flaps 22, 23 are connectedto the first and second divider support panels 20, 21, respectively,opposite the back panel 14. Thus, the first and second divider supportpanels 20, 21 are positioned between the first and second topreinforcement flaps 22, 23, respectively, and the back panel 14. Thefirst and second top reinforcement flaps 22, 23 strengthen the topsurfaces of the container 43 formed from the blank 10.

[0037] The first and second divider panels 24, 25 are connected to thefirst and second side panels 12, 13, respectively, by the first andsecond divider support panels 20, 21, respectively. In other words, thefirst and second divider support panels 20, 21 connect the first andsecond divider panels 24, 25 to the first and second side panels, 12,13, respectively. Upon construction of the container, the first andsecond divider panels 24, 25 form a divider or dividing panel structure37. The first and second divider panels 24, 25 not only prevent lateralmovement of packaged articles 17 during transit, but also reinforce thecontainer 43 for stacking purposes. The first and second divider panels24, 25 of the container may be secured to the back panel 14, bottompanel 11, or one of the top panels 26, 27.

[0038] The first and second top panels 26, 27 are connected to the firstand second side panels 12, 13, respectively, opposite the bottom panel11. With reference to FIGS. 5F-5I, during construction of the container43 the lid 46 is partially folded and placed over the internalcompartments of the container such that the top section 47 and frontsection 48 of the lid rest against the top and front portions of thedividing panel structure 37, respectively, and the side flaps 49 restagainst an internal planar side 45 of the first and second sidereinforcement panels 30, 31. The first and second top reinforcementflaps 22, 23 and the first and second top support flaps 34, 35 are thenfolded over and against the top section 47 of the lid 46. Subsequently,the back lip flap 16 is folded against the top reinforcement flaps 22,23. Upon construction, the first and second top reinforcement flaps 22,23 and the first and second top support flaps 34, 35 form a topreinforcement assembly of the container 43. Next, the first and secondtop panels 26, 27 are folded over and against the top section 47 of thelid 46. Accordingly, the top reinforcement assembly is positionedbetween at least one of the top panels 26, 27 and at least a portion ofthe first and second divider panels 24, 25. It will be understood thatupon construction, the top panels 26, 27 form a single top panel. Asdepicted in FIG. 1, the top panel of the container may be substantiallyV-shaped.

[0039] The first and second top glue flaps 28, 29 are connected to thefirst and second top panels 26, 27, respectively, adjacent to the edgesof the first and second side panels 12, 13, respectively, that areconnected to the first and second divider support panels 20, 21. Asillustrated in FIG. 4, the first and second top glue flaps 28, 29 andthe first and second top reinforcement flaps 22, 23 are positionedadjacent one another. As positioned, the top glue flaps 28, 29 arefoldable against and secured to the back panel 14 when the blank 10 isconstructed into the container 43.

[0040] The first and second side reinforcement panels 30, 31 enhance thestrength of the container to prevent tensile and compressive stressesfrom tearing or otherwise destroying the container during shipment anddisplay (e.g., stacking). Specifically, the first and second sidereinforcement panels 30, 31 provide additional support to the sidepanels 12, 13 upon construction of the blank 10 into the container 43.The side reinforcement panels 30, 31 are connected to the first andsecond side panels 12, 13, respectively, opposite the first and seconddivider support panels 20, 21, respectively.

[0041] The first and second corner support flaps 32, 33 are connected tothe first and second side reinforcement panels 30, 31, respectively,opposite the first and second side panels 12, 13, respectively. Thecorner support flaps 32, 33 are foldable against the divider supportpanels 20, 21, upon construction of the container 43.

[0042] The first and second top support flaps 34, 35 are connected tothe first and second side reinforcement panels 30, 31, respectively. Inparticular, the first and second top support flaps 34, 35 are positionedadjacent to the edges of the first and second side panels 12, 13,respectively, that are opposite the bottom panel 11. Stated differently,the first and second top support flaps 34, 35 are positioned adjacent tothe first and second top panels 26, 27, respectively. Upon constructionof the container 43, the top support flaps 34, 35 are foldable inwardlyand situated adjacent (i.e., beneath) the top panels 26, 27. Inparticular, the top support flaps 34, 35 are foldable against the topsection 47 of the lid 46 when the lid is removably secured over theinterior of the container 43. In this fashion, the top support flaps 34,35 associated with the side reinforcement panels 30, 31 and the toppanels 26, 27 associated with the side panels 12, 13 enhance thestructural integrity of the sides of the container 43 during shipmentand stacking.

[0043] The first and second glue flaps 40, 41 are connected to the firstand second side panels 12, 13, respectively. Specifically, the first andsecond glue flaps 40, 41 are positioned opposite the first and seconddivider support panels 20, 21, respectively, and between the bottompanel 11 (more specifically the front lip flap 15) and the first andsecond side reinforcement panels 30, 31, respectively. The glue flaps40, 41 are foldable, upon construction, against the front section 48 ofthe lid 46 when the lid is positioned over the interior of the container43. Accordingly, the glue flaps 40, 41 secure the front lip flap 15 inan upright position when the front lip flap is folded upward and againstthe glue flaps and portions of the lid 46.

[0044] As illustrated in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, thepackaging blank 10 may be a one-piece flexible blank formed fromcorrugated paperboard. Accordingly, the first and second side panels 12,13, back panel 14, front lip flap 15, back lip flap 16, first and seconddivider support panels 20, 21, first and second top reinforcement flaps22, 23, first and second divider panels 24, 25, first and second toppanels 26, 27, first and second top glue flaps 28, 29, first and secondside reinforcement panels 30, 31, first and second corner support flaps32, 33, first and second top support flaps 34, 35, and first and secondglue flaps 40, 41 are foldable along fold lines 42 formed in the blank10. The blank 10 also includes an external planar side 44 and aninternal planar side 45. The external planar side 44 is preferablyfinished.

[0045] In the preferred embodiment, the first and second side panels 12,13, first and second divider panels 24, 25, first and second top panels26, 27, first and second side reinforcement panels 30, 31, and first andsecond corner support flaps 32, 33 are substantially trapezoidal.Advantageously, the trapezoidal shape of the top panels 26, 27 permitsviewing of the contents of the container 43 formed from the blank 10.Further, the bottom panel 11, back panel 14, and first and seconddivider support panels 20, 21 are preferably rectangular. Therectangular shape of these panels ensures the substantially rectangularshape of the container. A rectangular shaped container is preferred forshipping and stacking purposes. Nevertheless, it will be understood thatthe first and second side panels 12, 13, first and second divider panels24, 25, first and second top panels 26, 27, first and second sidereinforcement panels 30, 31, and first and second corner support flaps32, 33 are not limited to a trapezoidal shape and may be triangular orrectangular in shape. It will also be understood that the bottom panel11, back panel 14, and first and second divider support panels 20, 21are not limited to a rectangular shape and may be trapezoidal in shape.

[0046] Advantageously, the blank 10 is capable of being folded into thecontainer 43 having an interior space defined by the bottom panel 11,the back panel 14, and the first and second side panels 12, 13. Thus,upon construction, the first and second divider panels 24, 25 divide theinterior space to form more than one internal packaging compartment (seeFIGS. 2 and 6). Thus, the blank 10 is capable of forming a container 43that has at least two internal compartments for separately receiving anumber of articles 17 (e.g., bottles).

[0047] In order to facilitate the formation of a substantiallyrectangular container 43 having reinforced sides, the widths of thefirst and second side reinforcement panels 30, 31 of the preferredembodiment of the blank 10 are less than the widths of the first andsecond side panels 12, 13. Advantageously, the width differentialspermit the folding of the corner support flaps 32, 33 against thedivider support panels 20, 21 to thereby reinforce the corners of thecontainer 43 formed from the blank 10. In a related aspect, thepreferred trapezoidal shape of the first and second corner support flaps32, 33 further facilitates the folding of the corner support flapsagainst the divider support panels 20, 21 while providing reinforcementof the corners as described above.

[0048] The preferred embodiment of the blank 10 also provides for theconversion of the container 43 formed from the blank into an open-sidedtray 18 (see FIG. 8). As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7, the presentinvention provides a first and second divider support panel pull tab 50,51 formed by perforations in the first and second divider support panels20, 21, respectively. The first and second divider support panel pulltabs 50, 51 are positioned adjacent to the edges of the first and seconddivider support panels 20, 21, respectively, that are connected to thefirst and second divider panels 24, 25, respectively. The preferredembodiment further provides a first and second back panel pull tab 53,54 formed by perforations in the back panel 14. The first and secondback panel pull tabs 53, 54 are positioned next to one another andadjacent to the edge of the back panel 14 that is connected to thebottom panel 11. Upon construction, the first and second divider supportpanel pull tabs 50, 51 and the first and second back panel pull tabs 53,54 each form a pull tab assembly of the container 43. Each pull tabassembly may also include a strip of tear tape 63, 64 as discussedherein.

[0049] In this configuration, the first divider support panel pull tab50 and the first back panel pull tab 53 are aligned to contact oneanother when the blank 10 is constructed into the container 43. Further,the second divider support panel pull tab 51 and the second back panelpull tab 54 are likewise aligned to contact one another when the blank10 is constructed into the container 43. In other words, the first andsecond divider support panel pull tabs 50, 51 and the first and secondback panel pull tabs 53, 54 are paired respectively, upon construction,so that the first divider support panel and back panel pull tabs 50, 53and second divider support panel and back panel pull tabs 51, 54 arepositioned against one another, respectively.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 4, 7, and 8, the first and second dividerpanels 24, 25 define first and second cut-outs 60, 61, respectively. Asillustrated in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, the first and secondcut-outs 60, 61 are substantially circular. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that the first and second cut-outs 60, 61 are not limited toa circular shape and may be oval, polygonal, triangular, or ellipticalin shape. The first and second cut-outs 60, 61 are positioned adjacentto the edges of the first and second divider panels 24, 25,respectively, that are connected to the first and second divider supportpanels 20, 21, respectively.

[0051] As configured, the first and second cut-outs 60, 61 are alignedto correspondingly form an opening 62 in the first and second dividerpanels 24, 25, respectively, when the blank 10 is constructed into thecontainer 43. As depicted in FIG. 7, the opening 62 is positionedadjacent to the first and second divider support panel pull tabs 50, 51and first and second back panel pull tabs 53, 54. Thus, the opening 62provides an empty space (i.e., void) into which the divider supportpanel pull tabs 50, 51 and the back panel pull tabs 53, 54 move when auser pushes against the pull tabs. Further, the opening 62 provides roomfor the user to insert a finger into the interior of the container 43and grasp the pull tabs 50, 51, 53, 54 when converting the containerinto the tray 18.

[0052] The preferred embodiment of the present invention also provides afirst and second strip of tear tape 63, 64 that extend from the firstand second divider support panel pull tabs 50, 51, respectively, to theedges of the first and second side panels 12, 13, respectively, that areopposite the first and second divider support panels 20, 21 (see FIG.4). One end of the strips of tear tape 63, 64 is secured to the firstand second divider support panel pull tabs 50, 51. The first and secondstrips of tear tape 63, 64 may be secured to the first and seconddivider support panels 20, 21 and the first and second side panels 12,13, respectively, with adhesive 66. In an alternative embodiment, thestrips of tear tape 63, 64 may be partially or fully embedded in thedivider support panels 20, 21, and side panels 12, 13. The tear tape isformed from material of sufficient strength to detach a portion of thesurface of the panels formed, for example, from corrugated paperboard.

[0053] In this preferred embodiment, the back panel 14 definesperforations 65 that are positioned to correspondingly align with thefirst and second strips of tear tape 63, 64 when the blank 10 isconstructed into a container 43 (see FIGS. 4 and 6). Advantageously,this configuration permits a user to form the open-sided tray 18 fromthe container 43. Specifically, the first and second divider panel pulltabs 50, 51, the first and second back panel pull tabs 53, 54, and theperforations 65 facilitate the separation of the first and seconddivider panels 24, 25, the first and second divider support panels 20,21, the first and second side panels 12, 13, and the back panel 14 fromthe blank 10 when the blank is formed into the container 43. Theseparation of the above referenced panels necessarily separates thefirst and second top reinforcement flaps 22, 23, the first and secondtop panels 26, 27, the first and second top glue flaps 28, 29, the firstand second side reinforcement panels 30, 31, the first and second topsupport flaps 34, 35, and the first and second corner support flaps 32,33. Accordingly, those of skill in the art will understand that theportions of the container are severable.

[0054] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, a user is able to push the pulltabs 50, 51, 53, 54 inwardly, grasp the pull tabs, and then pull thepull tabs and the associated strip of tear tape 63, 64 away from theexterior surface of the container 43 formed from the blank 10 to therebyseparate the top section of the container from the bottom panel 11. Theresulting action converts the container 43 into the open-sided tray 18.

[0055] As depicted in FIG. 4, adhesive 66 is provided on select surfacesof the internal planar side 45 of the preferred embodiment of thepackaging blank 10 to secure various panels and flaps duringconstruction of the container. Specifically, adhesive 66 (e.g., glue) isprovided on the internal planar side 45 of the back panel 14 to includeareas adjacent to the back lip flap 16 and the edge of the back panelthat connects to the bottom panel 11. During construction, adhesive 66on the back panel 14 secures the back panel to the first and seconddivider support panels 20, 21. Adhesive 66 is also provided on theinternal planar side 45 of the first and second top glue flaps 28, 29,the front lip flap 15, and the first and second side panels 12, 13.Accordingly, during construction, the top glue flaps 28, 29 are securedto the back panel 14, the front lip flap 15 is secured to the first andsecond glue flaps 40, 41, and the first and second side reinforcementpanels 30, 31 are secured to the first and second side panels 12, 13.

[0056] Another aspect of the invention includes the use of the packagingblank 10 of the present invention in conjunction with a method forpackaging articles (see FIGS. 5A-5I). This method is preferablyaccomplished at a manufacturer's packaging facility.

[0057] In a preferred method, the side reinforcement panels 30, 31 arefolded over the first and second side panels 12, 13 (see FIG. 5A). Thefirst and second side reinforcement panels 30, 31 are preferably foldedto a position substantially adjacent the first and second side panels12, 13 and then adhered to the side panels with, for example, adhesive.

[0058] The first and second divider panels 24, 25 are then folded toform more than one internal packaging compartment (see FIG. 5B and 5C).In particular, the first and second divider panels 24, 25 are foldedover the first and second side reinforcement panels 30, 31 such that thefirst and second divider panels are oriented in a plane that issubstantially parallel to the side reinforcement panels and side panels12, 13. Next, the side panels 12, 13 are folded towards the bottom panel11 such that the divider panels 24, 25 are adjacent one another (seeFIG. 5C and 5D).

[0059] Upon completing the initial steps of construction, the container43 is presented for receiving at least one article 17. Accordingly, themethod may incorporate the step of positioning an article 17 on theinternal planar side 45 of the blank. In other words, the article 17 ispositioned in one of the internal compartments. The step of positioningthe article 17 may incorporate an automated device or a manualprocedure. For example, an article 17 may be retrieved and thenselectively placed on the blank 10.

[0060] In a subsequent step, the container 43 is configured to receivethe removable lid 46. Specifically, the lid 46 is positioned over theinternal packaging compartments to cover the same (see FIGS. 5F and 5G).Upon positioning the lid 46 over the compartments, the first and secondtop reinforcement flaps 22, 23 are folded over and against the lid. Thefirst and second top support flaps 34, 35 are then folded over andagainst the lid 46 such that the top support flaps are adjacent the topreinforcement flaps 22, 23 (see FIG. 5G). Next, the back panel 14 isfolded upward and against the first and second divider support panels20, 21. In a preferred method, the back panel 14 is adhered to thedivider support panels 20, 21. The back lip flap 16 is subsequentlyfolded over and against the top reinforcement flaps 22, 23 (see FIG.5H). The top panels 26, 27 are then folded against the top section 47 ofthe lid 46, the top reinforcement flaps 22, 23, and the top supportflaps 34, 35. The top glue flaps 28, 29 are then folded and secured tothe back panel 14. Those of skill in the art will understand that theorder of the steps for releasably securing the lid 46 to the containeras described above may be executed in a variety of sequences, so long asthe particular sequence executed does not interfere with the ability ofthe user to remove the lid upon construction of the container 43.

[0061] In this configuration, the top glue flaps 28, 29 secure the topreinforcement flaps 22, 23, top support flaps 34, 35, back lip flap 16,and top panels 26, 27 adjacent to the lid 46 so as not to interfere withthe attachment and removal of the lid. Stated differently, the topreinforcement flaps 22, 23, top support flaps 34, 35, back lip flap 16,and top panels 26, 27 are not adhered to the lid. As depicted in FIGS.5G-5I, the top glue flaps 28, 29 are adhered to the back panel 14 afterthe steps of folding the top reinforcement flaps 22, 23, top supportflaps 34, 35, back lip flap 16, and top panels 26, 27 against the topsection 47 of the lid 46.

[0062] In the final steps of a preferred method, the first and secondglue flaps 40, 41 are folded inwardly against the front section 48 ofthe lid 46, and the front lip flap 15 is folded upwardly and against theglue flaps and the front section of the lid. The front lip flap 15 ispreferably adhered to the glue flaps 40, 41 but not to the front section48 of the lid 46.

[0063] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosedtypical embodiments on the invention and, although specific terms havebeen employed, they have been used in a generic and descriptive senseonly and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the inventionbeing set forth in the following claims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A method of packaging articles in amulti-purpose shipping and display container that is capable of beingconverted into an open-sided tray, said method comprising the steps of:providing a one-piece flexible blank having a bottom panel, first andsecond side panels connected to opposing edges of the bottom panel, aback panel connected to the edge of the bottom panel adjacent to theopposing edges to which the first and second side panels are connected,and at least one pull tab assembly formed by perforations in the backpanel, the pull tab facilitating the conversion of the container formedfrom the blank into the open-sided tray; folding the blank to form aseverable container having more than one internal packaging compartment;and positioning at least one article to be packaged in one of theinternal packaging compartments.
 2. A method according to claim 1,wherein the blank provided includes: first and second divider supportpanels connected to the first and second side panels, respectively,adjacent to the back panel; first and second divider panels connected tothe first and second side panels, respectively, by the first and seconddivider support panels, respectively; and first and second sidereinforcement panels connected to the first and second side panels,respectively, opposite the first and second divider support panels,respectively; and the step of folding the blank comprises: folding thefirst and second side reinforcement panels over the first and secondside panels; and securing the first and second side reinforcement panelsto the first and second side panels, respectively.
 3. A method accordingto claim 2, wherein the step of folding the blank further comprises:folding the first and second divider panels over the first and secondside panels such that the first and second divider panels and the firstand second side panels define substantially parallel planes; and foldingthe first and second side panels towards the bottom panel such that thefirst and second divider panels are adjacent to one another; the stepsperformed after the step of securing the side reinforcement panels.
 4. Amethod according to claim 3, wherein the step of folding the blankfurther comprises: folding the back panel against the first and seconddivider support panels; and securing the back panel to the first andsecond divider support panels; the steps performed after the step offolding the first and second side panels.
 5. A method according to claim1, further comprising the step of releasably securing a lid to thecontainer after the step of positioning the article.
 6. A methodaccording to claim 5, wherein the blank provided includes a first andsecond top panel connected to the first and second side panels,respectively, opposite the bottom panel; and the step of releasablysecuring the lid comprises: positioning the lid over the internalpackaging compartments of the container; folding the first and secondtop panels against the lid; and securing portions of the first andsecond top panels against the back panel to thereby releasably securethe lid to the container.
 7. A method of packaging articles in amulti-purpose shipping and display container that is capable of beingconverted into an open-sided tray, said method comprising the steps of:providing a one-piece flexible blank having a bottom panel, first andsecond side panels connected to opposing edges of the bottom panel,first and second divider support panels connected to the first andsecond side panels, respectively, adjacent to an edge of said bottompanel, and first and second side reinforcement panels connected to thefirst and second side panels, respectively, opposite the first andsecond divider support panels, respectively; folding the blank to form aseverable container having more than one internal packaging compartment;positioning at least one article to be packaged in one of the internalpackaging compartments; and releasably securing a lid to the container.8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the step of folding the blankcomprises: folding the first and second side reinforcement panels overthe first and second side panels; and securing the first and second sidereinforcement panels to the first and second side panels, respectively.9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the blank provided includesfirst and second divider panels connected to the first and second sidepanels, respectively, by the first and second divider support panels,respectively; and the step of folding the blank further comprises:folding the first and second divider panels over the first and secondside panels such that the first and second divider panels and the firstand second side panels define substantially parallel planes; and foldingthe first and second side panels towards the bottom panel such that thefirst and second divider panels are adjacent to one another; the stepsperformed after the step of securing the side reinforcement panels. 10.A method according to claim 9, wherein the blank provided includes aback panel connected to the bottom panel adjacent to the first andsecond divider support panels; and the step of folding the blank furthercomprises: folding the back panel against the first and second dividersupport panels; and securing the back panel to the first and seconddivider support panels; the steps performed after the step of foldingthe first and second side panels.
 11. A method according to claim 7,wherein the blank provided includes an internal planar side and anexternal planer side; and the step of positioning the article comprisesplacing an article to be packaged in at least one of the internalpackaging compartments on an internal planar side of the blank.
 12. Amethod according to claim 7, wherein the blank provided includes a firstand second top panel connected to the first and second side panels,respectively, opposite the bottom panel; and the step of releasablysecuring the lid comprises: positioning the lid over the internalpackaging compartments of the container; folding the first and secondtop panels against the lid; and securing portions of the first andsecond top panels to the back panel to thereby releasably secure the lidto the container.
 13. A method of packaging articles in a multi-purposeshipping and display container that is capable of being converted intoan open-sided tray, said method comprising the steps of: providing aone-piece flexible blank having a substantially rectangular bottompanel, first and second side panels connected to opposing edges of thebottom panel, a substantially rectangular back panel connected to theedge of the bottom panel adjacent to the opposing edges to which theside panels are connected, a front lip flap connected to the bottompanel opposite the back panel, a back lip flap connected to the backpanel opposite the bottom panel, first and second divider support panelsconnected to the first and second side panels, respectively, adjacent tothe back panel, first and second top reinforcement flaps connected tothe first and second divider support panels, respectively, opposite theback panel, first and second divider panels connected to the first andsecond side panels, respectively, by the first and second dividersupport panels, respectively, first and second top panels connected tothe first and second side panels, respectively, opposite the bottompanel, first and second top glue flaps connected to the first and secondtop panels, respectively, adjacent to the edges of the first and secondside panels, respectively, that are connected to the first and seconddivider support panels, respectively, first and second sidereinforcement panels connected to the first and second side panels,respectively, opposite the first and second divider support panels,respectively, first and second top support flaps connected to the firstand second side reinforcement panels, respectively, positioned adjacentto the edges of the first and second side panels that are opposite thebottom panel, first and second glue flaps connected to the first andsecond side panels, respectively, between the front lip flap and thefirst and second side reinforcement panels, respectively, and at leastone pull tab assembly formed by perforations in the back panel anddivider support panels; folding the blank to form a severable containerhaving more than one internal packaging compartment; and positioning atleast one article to be packaged in one of the internal packagingcompartments.
 14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the step offolding the blank comprises: folding the first and second sidereinforcement panels over the first and second side panels; and securingthe first and second side reinforcement panels to the first and secondside panels, respectively.
 15. A method according to claim 14, whereinthe step of folding the blank further comprises: folding the first andsecond divider panels over the first and second side panels such thatthe first and second divider panels and the first and second side panelsdefine substantially parallel planes; and folding the first and secondside panels towards the bottom panel such that the first and seconddivider panels are adjacent to one another; the steps performed afterthe step of securing the side reinforcement panels.
 16. A methodaccording to claim 15, wherein the step of folding the blank furthercomprises: folding the back panel against the first and second dividersupport panels; and securing the back panel to the first and seconddivider support panels; the steps performed after the step of foldingthe first and second side panels.
 17. A method according to claim 13,further comprising the step of releasably securing a lid to thecontainer after the step of positioning the article.
 18. A methodaccording to claim 17, wherein the step of releasably securing the lidcomprises: positioning the lid over the internal packaging compartmentsof the container; folding the first and second top panels against thelid; and securing the first and second top glue flaps against the backpanel.
 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the step of foldingthe top panels comprises: folding the first and second top reinforcementflaps against the lid; folding the first and second top support flapsagainst the lid; and securing the back lip flap to the top reinforcementflaps.
 20. A method according to claim 18, further comprising: foldingthe first and second glue flaps inwardly against the lid; and securingthe front lip flap to the first and second glue flaps.